Best Damn Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air fryer steak bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy a juicy steak in bite-sized portions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, an appetizer or a quick snack, these bites cook fast and give you all the savory goodness you’d expect from a traditional steak.

In this recipe, we’re pairing our steak bites with a bright and zesty chimichurri sauce.  The sauce is optional but highly recommended!  Chimichurri is easy to make and full of flavor.  It really brings this dish to the next level.

The Best Steak for Air Fryer Steak Bites

Choosing the right cut of steak is key to making perfect air fryer steak bites. Ideally, you want a cut that’s tender, flavorful, and can cook in small pieces without becoming tough.  Here are my favorite options:

• Ribeye – Ribeye has great marbling, which means when it cooks up, it gives you lots of flavor and a buttery soft texture. 
• Sirloin – Sirloin is a more affordable option, but it’s still nice and tender!
• Filet Mignon – If you’re looking to splurge, Filet Mignon is the way to go.  It may be a bit more pricey, but it simply melts in your mouth!

Avoid tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak, as they can become chewy when cooked in small pieces.

Ingredients & Equipment

Air fryer steak bites are made with just a handful of simple ingredients.

The central ingredient is, of course, the steak!  The steak will be tossed with olive oil in order to help the seasonings adhere. 

We’re going to season the steak with smoked paprika, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.  This combination makes every bite burst with flavor!

If you are making the chimichurri sauce, you’ll need to grab a few more things.  The main ingredient in chimichurri is parsley.  For the best flavor and texture, chop the parsley as fine as possible.  You’ll also need red pepper flakes, garlic, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice.  If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can leave it out and double the lemon juice.

The only piece of special equipment you need for this recipe is your air fryer.  Other than that, just grab a couple of mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and a cutting board to cut the steak.

Preparation

Air fryer steak bites come together with just a few simple steps.

Start by cutting your steak into 1-inch cubes, trimming off any excess fat.

Next, you’re going to add all of the dry seasonings to a small bowl and mix them together.  Toss the steak cubes with olive oil, then add the dry seasoning mixture and toss again.  And that’s it – your steak bites are ready for the air fryer!

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4-5 minutes.  Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a nice sear. Place the steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 4-8 minutes.  At 4 minutes the steak will be rare, and at 8 minutes it will be well done.  I typically cook my steak for 5 minutes for the perfect medium-rare. 

Once the cooking time is done, immediately remove the steak bites from the air fryer to prevent further cooking.  Let them rest on a plate for 2-3 minutes before digging in.

Serving

One reason why I love air fryer steak bites is because they are so versatile.

You can eat your bites on their own as an appetizer or snack, or you can build them into a balanced meal.  They can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to a crisp green salad.

I like topping off my steak bites with our chimichurri sauce, but if that’s not your thing, you can use whatever sauce you like!  Some great options are:

• Garlic butter
• Garlic aioli
• Horseradish sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Bordelaise Sauce

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftover steak bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re warmed through.

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